May 28, 2018 By Rick Shrum staff Writer rshrum@observer-Reporter.Com 3 min read

Cheryl Mason stepped to the microphone May 27 and described a fear – palpable and pervasive – shared by military veterans and active service members.

A feeling of dying twice.

It happens in the line of duty for some, years after leaving the military for others. Then there is a death of spirit, the profound futility of realizing you and your comrades have been forgotten despite your selfless devotion to homeland, family and freedom.

“As a nation, we have to keep our promise that their lives and their service will not be forgotten,” said Mason, the keynote speaker at the annual Memorial Day Program at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.

Memory is at the root of memorial, and Mason, who is the national chairwoman of the board of Veterans’ Appeals, reinforced that message to an audience of about 1,000 at the sprawling cemetery in Cecil Township.

Visitors and participants came in all ages, including a number of high school-age groups who enhanced the military aura during the hour-long ceremony. A large number of veterans from various wars sat in the rows of folding chairs, wearing patriotic T-shirts and caps, the hats in many instances detailing the branch and other particulars related to their service.

“Memorial Day is proving to be an especially important date in the nation for those who have fallen in battle and everyone who has served,” Mason said. “Everyone who is buried here has a story, and those lives and stories should not be forgotten.

“We don’t want our veterans to suffer that second death.”

Ronald Hestdalen, director of the cemetery, introduced Mason to the crowd and expressed similar sentiments. “This is the day we remember those who have given the last full measure of devotion,” he said. “America has been blessed with having so many dedicated men and women unlike any other place in the world.”

State Sen. Camera Bartolotta, R-Carroll, was among the guest speakers, and she began by proclaiming: “I am the mom of a brand-new Marine. Oo-rah!” She was referring to her son, Dante.

Reaching out to those who have not served in the military, Bartolotta said they should “acknowledge and say ‘thank you’ to every man or woman wearing a uniform or hat. It’s only two words, ‘thank you.’ We don’t say that enough, but it means so very, very much.”

State Sen. Guy Reschenthaler, who served with the Navy in Iraq, likewise celebrated the military.

“Men and women have fought for liberty, and not just for the United States but the world,” said Reschenthaler, R-Jefferson Hills. “Don’t let this afternoon end with just a barbecue. Pledge to live every day like they have. Serve others like the way they have served.”

Mason closed her keynote address appropriately – with another salute.

“Dignity, honor and respect are what these men and women deserve,” she said.